Thursday, March 28, 2024

Spring Coulee fire injures firefighter

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OKANOGAN – A local firefighter was seriously injured while battling a fire at Spring Coulee south of here on Sunday, Sept. 1. The fire started at approximately 4 p.m. just off B&O Road North between Fletcher Loop Road and Spring Coulee Road.
Assistant Chief Christian Johnson with Okanogan County Fire District #3 suffered second-and third-degree burns over 50-60 percent of his body and was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he is currently in a medically induced coma. Johnson also sustained damage to his airway on a scale of two on a four-point scale, with four most severe. Harborview burn specialists are trying to stabilize Johnson so they can perform surgery for skin grafts.
An account is being opened at a local Okanogan County bank to assist Johnson’s family with whatever may be needed during their crisis. More details will be forthcoming.
The Spring Coulee fire was contained at approximately 5:30 p.m. after burning nearly 142 acres. The Department of Natural Resources monitored the fire through Sunday night and continued mop-up operations on Monday, Sept. 2. Fire investigators are currently trying to determine the cause of the fire.

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